Training Needs of Community Health Workers Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic in Texas: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has required the professional healthcare workforce not only to adjust methods of delivering care safely but also act as a trusted sources of information during a time of uncertainty and rapid research and discovery. The Community Health Worker COVID-19 Impact Survey is a cross-sectional study developed to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on this sector of the healthcare workforce, including training needs of those working through the pandemic. The survey was distributed in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. This study focuses on Texas, and the data presented (n = 693) is a sub-set of qualitative data from the larger survey. Results of the content analysis described in this paper are intended to inform current COVID-19-related CHW training curriculum, in addition to future infectious disease prevention and preparedness response trainings.

Working as frontline health facilitators, service providers, program supporters, and social health activists in Indian hilly terrain areas: A qualitative study of accredited social health activists’ experiences before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Stress and tension amongst CHWs due to COVID-19 restrictions and fear of contracting COVID-19 have been reported (for example, among CHWs engaged in door-to-door surveys in Texas, USA) [ 22 , 27 ], but our study extends these findings with an in-depth exploration of ASHAs’ experience of the changed responsibilities and increased workload [ 27 ]. There is evidence of stress in frontline health care professionals, including clinicians, nurses, and paramedical employees, but a few include CHWs [ 28 ].…”

“…Our finding that the pandemic resulted in an unforeseen shift in roles is supported by studies from other LMICs, summarised in a review article [ 26 ]. In many countries, CHWs were engaged in COVID-19-related tasks, including raising awareness about the disease, implementing precautionary measures, contact tracing, coordinating patient care, providing support, and helping overcome stigma at the community level [ 26 , 27 ]. As in our study, this disrupted their routine work.…”

Community health workers and promotoras’ perspectives of a research best practice course: A focus group study

“…The pandemic has exacerbated health inequities in underserved communities served by CHW/Ps 19,20 . While federal agencies are prioritizing efforts to reduce the spread and health effects of COVID-19, CHW/Ps are increasingly being recognized for their crucial role in assisting with health promotion and research efforts with the pandemic in underserved communities [21][22][23] .…”

“…In general, CHW/Ps are increasingly recognized for their ability to help build and maintain trust with people that have historically mistrusted the health care system 22 . These dynamics will only accelerate the ongoing shift in the CHW/P role from being health educators to being health care delivery workers and health research study recruiters 24 .…”

“…CHW/Ps who work with minoritized groups and historically underserved populations have a job that can be particularly challenging 22 . As mentioned by our participants, culturally and linguistically appropriate training that helps to build capacity to perform their job tasks is important, relevant, and critical in such situations.…”